Which type of metals are primarily used for their magnetic properties in applications?

Ferromagnetic metals are primarily used for their magnetic properties in various applications due to their ability to exhibit strong magnetism. These metals, such as iron, cobalt, and nickel, have unpaired electrons that allow them to align their magnetic moments in the same direction when exposed to a magnetic field, resulting in a significant net magnetic effect. This property makes ferromagnetic materials essential for the manufacture of magnets, transformers, and other electromagnetic devices.

In contrast, diamagnetic metals do not have unpaired electrons and have a very weak and negative response to magnetic fields, making them unsuitable for applications requiring magnetic properties. Paramagnetic metals possess unpaired electrons but do not maintain magnetism in the absence of an external magnetic field; they only show weak magnetism that disappears when the field is removed. This lack of sustained magnetic strength limits their use in applications where strong magnetic properties are needed.

Thus, ferromagnetic metals stand out as the primary choice for applications that utilize magnetic properties.